Can Wire Fraud be Charged Alongside Other Crimes?

Not only can wire fraud be charged alongside other federal crimes, but it’s one of the government’s favorite intimidation tactics. Including multiple counts of wire fraud in a New Jersey federal indictment is designed to pressure defendants into quick plea bargains before they contact an experienced NJ federal criminal defense lawyer.

Don’t be intimidated by multiple federal wire fraud charges in New Jersey. Contact white-collar defense attorney and former prosecutor Peter Katz today online or at (609) 849-3179.

Overview of Federal Wire Fraud Charges

Fraud by wire, radio, or television (wire fraud) is criminalized by 18 U.S.C. § 1343. It prohibits anyone from obtaining or attempting to obtain money or property fraudulently using communications sent via wire. In modern terms, this means using a computer or cell phone. Wire fraud covers nearly all electronic communications used to further an allegedly fraudulent scheme, including:

• Text messages
• Phone calls
• Emails
• Social media
• Online banking
• Messaging apps
• Chat rooms

Almost all federal white-collar crimes involve wire fraud, often through multiple messages and media. Prosecutors may charge defendants with one count of wire fraud for every message sent in furtherance of a fraudulent scheme. Though AUSAs seldom intend to prove every claim, especially if it would result in the substantial mismanagement of the federal judge’s time, they want you afraid.

Crimes Commonly Associated with Wire Fraud

Because wire fraud necessarily involves a scheme to defraud another person of money or property, it is often charged in conjunction with other federal white-collar crimes. These most commonly include the following:

• Bank fraud
• Mail fraud
• Identity theft
• Embezzlement
• Money laundering
• Tax evasion
• Healthcare fraud
• SEC violations
• Bribery
• Fraud
• Theft
• Cybercrime

Prosecutors may add multiple wire fraud charges to the indictment during the discovery process as they investigate the underlying white-collar crime. Working with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer immediately might result in the complete dismissal of lesser-included or unsubstantiated wire fraud charges in New Jersey.

Penalties for Wire Fraud

If you’re convicted of wire fraud, you could be facing up to 20 years’ imprisonment per count. Though such lengthy sentences are uncommon, these penalties will be used to intimidate you. Wire fraud in connection with federal emergency relief carries even heavier penalties, including a fine of up to $1,000,000 and 30 years’ imprisonment.

Even if you’re not threatened with a lengthy prison term, federal white-collar convictions often involve five or six-figure fines and restitution, including court-ordered asset seizure and forfeiture. Working with an experienced wire fraud defense lawyer may result in a favorable plea deal or the dismissal of charges related to another crime in exchange for dropping all remaining charges. However, defense counsel might also work with prosecutors to get all other white-collar charges dismissed in exchange for pleading to wire fraud alone.

Contact a Federal Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer in New Jersey

Do not be surprised if you’ve been charged with multiple counts of wire fraud in addition to other federal crimes. Discuss any white-collar charges with dedicated New Jersey criminal defense attorney Peter Katz today by calling (609) 849-3179 or connecting with him online.